Jon-Allan Butterworth

Country: Great Britain

Date of birth: 6/2/1986

Place of birth: Birmingham, England

Gender: Male

I missed the excitement of the RAF but now I have the same commitment to para-cycling.

Career highlights:

Has won gold at the 1km time trial at the last two world championships, including at Los Angeles in 2012. Set a new world record of 1.07.459 for the C5 category in the time trial at the National Track Championships. Won gold at the 2011 World Championships. In 2010 broke the world record for the Flying 200m while winning gold at the National Track Championships.

RANDOM FACT

While fighting in Iraq and winning World Championships don't seem to phase him, Jon admits that he is scared of riding his bike down hills.

How it all began:

Lost his arm in Iraq in 2007 while serving with the RAF. He spent a year in physical rehab before being introduced to cycling at a Paralympics GB talent day at Loughborough University. Unable to return to his job in the RAF, Jon decided to pursue a career in competitive cycling and stepped up his training to compete at elite international level.

RANDOM FACT

Ever the comedian, he likes to take off his prosthetic arm and grab onto people while at parties in order to "freak them out".

Biggest Disappointment:

Narrowly missed out on a gold medal at the 2010 Europa Cup and had to settle for silver.

RANDOM FACT

Has two prosthetic arms which he uses for racing. Each costs £3,500.

Rivals:

Currently ranked as one of the best para-cyclists in the world and is one of Paralympics GB's top medal prospects for gold in London. The USA's Vincent Juarez, who came second to Jon at the 2011 World Championships, will be looking to medal in 2012.